She was soaking wet, she let out a sigh. As she moved to pull herself up when she saw him leaning over her with a spark of amusement in his eyes.
She took his hand with a smile towards him, using it to pull herself up and out of the fountain without slipping again. She stumbled a little on the way out though and fell against him, her eyes widening as she did so.
"U-um- my apologies Lucian-" she spoke, her voice wavering a bit with her embarrassment from having fallen again and on top of him.
Lucian grabbed her, steadying her as she fell into him. He righted her before pulling his hands away from her. She had gotten parts of his shirt and breeches wet. It didn't bother him. He would bathe and dress in finer clothes for their wedding later that evening. "No worries, my lady. Let's get you inside and out of these wet clothes."
They also needed to talk and he hoped he could do that with as few ears listening as possible. The gardens were not ideal for that conversation. Too many staff coming and going, each one with their own loyalties to royal families and councilmen. He didn't care for anyone in his business.
She felt her face blush red as she looked up at him, though when she stood up she shook her head.
"Oh-! oh my gosh- I got your clothes wet! I'm so sorry."
she walked alongside him towards the castle doors, ringing out her hair as much as she could.
she let out a soft sigh, she let out a shiver at the draftiness of the castle as they walked inside.
she just let the walk go in silence until he decided to say something, not knowing what to say herself.
"It's alright," Lucian said in attempt to soothe her worries. Wet clothes were the least of his worries.
He placed a gentle hand on her back to make sure she wouldn't slip going up the stairs. He stopped in front of her door and opened it, holding it for her to step through.
"Do you mind if I come in so we can speak? I won't keep you long." He said, turning to look at the staff hanging out about, his silent command sent them scurrying away.
"Are you sure..?" She looked up at him when he spoke to her trying to reassure her, his gentle hand on her back made her stop questioning if he was sure or not.
She was thankful that it was there so she didn't slip when going on the stairs.
"Hm? Oh its no problem of course." She nodded to him with a soft smile, noticing how they servants seem to scurry off.
"What Is it you need to talk about?"
She walked into the room as he was holding the door open for her, which was very kind of him.
Lucian walked into the room and shut the door behind him. He kept a distance away from Ruby. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. "We are expected to consumate our marriage. I understand if you do not want to right away, but it is expected to be done by the end of the week before I leave. I wanted to make sure you're okay with that."
Her eyes widened when she heard what he said, it hadn't really occurred to her that they would seriously be expected to produce heirs to the throne as soon as possible.
"Wait, your leaving? Will you not be back?" She frowned as she looked at him, hands held together a bit tensely.
"I will return back to the front. It is where I am needed most." Lycian clasped his hands behind his back. "You will have the castle to yourself most days. With attendants and such. But I will not be here often."
He watched her, curious for her reactions. "And if I die at war, I promise you will still be taken care of. An account will be opened in your name and enough money for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."
"Oh..please be safe out there.." She frowned at Lucian, showing concern in her eyes. Along with worry for him.
She dare not think about how lonely she might end up being while he was gone..or how he might get hurt.
"Alright…though I would rather you come home safely then any money you could give me. Though I very much appreciate it."
"I thought you would prefer to be left alone, my lady. I can't imagine you want to me married to me." Lucian tilted his head slightly as he observed her. He wasn't expecting this.
"I will send word as often as I am able to updating you on my welfare. I visit when I can but…it's better I don't leave camp too often."
"I understand, your soldiers need you for your strength on the battlefields." she nodded, clasping her hands together and just leaving them in that position.
"I will say, Its not as if i enjoy a arranged marriage, however you have been nothing but kind since i got here. I cant imagine it being as bad as some may say." she offered a soft smile to him, "contrary to popular belief im not a fan of being alone all the time. Though I'm sure i can find ways to busy myself while your gone."
Lucian gave her a kind smile. She wasn't what he was expecting at all. "The palace and it's grounds are yours. Should you wish to venture to the village you may do so as well as long as you have your entourage with you. I'm sure you'll make friends to keep you company."
He moved to the door. "I'll leave you be until the wedding. I just wanted to make sure you're alright with consumating tonight after the ceremony. You may come to my rooms if you're ready. If you do not, I understand. I'll deal with any advisor that tries to say something."
She smiled back at him, nodding to what he was saying. “I will most likely end up doing so, though I will still miss and worry over my spouse who’s gone to fight in a war. Perhaps we should trade off writing letters to each other when we are not in person?” She suggested as she saw him move to leave.
“I will see you at the wedding tonight.” She spoke, moving to close the door as he left. She was not anywhere near ready for having kids with someone but she didn’t have the ability to tell him.
@yellowqueen just so you know where it is
"I will write to you," Lucian promised then. "I will wrote to you as much as I'm able." There was little he would be able to say. He would fill the pages with nonsense, worried anything else might horrify his bride, something he was trying to not do.
"I will see you tonight." And then he was gone. He needed to get ready himself but he found himself walking towards the training yard. Just an hour or so and he would be satisfied. Just an hour.
It turned to be longer than an hour.
She spent a good amount of the time before the wedding just thinking about what it would be like to be married, he seemed like a good guy all things to be considered. Though she really didn't know that much about him…
How was she going to tell him she wasn't ready to have kids? She didn't want to leave him alone in his room..
She thought about all the while getting ready up until it was time to go, and she was waiting for her que to walk down the aisle.
Lucian had barely made it back in time to bathe and get ready. He dressed in garb of black and red, designs of his house and his dragon had been etched into the clothing. His hair had been plaited out of his face, letting it fall in soft waves down his back. His sword was strapped to his side, more ceremonial than for actual use. Or so he hoped. It was bad luck to kill a man at your wedding. But it was better than not having it at all.
He made it just at the end of the aisle with only minutes to spare. He ignored the disappointing look from his father and waited for the doors to open and reveal his bride.
When it was finally her time to go to him, she walked down the aisle, only looking at him with a smile as she walked in time with the music. When she got go the alter, she moved to turn and face him.
She was ready to get married.
(Weddings make me cringy. Do mind me doing like a time skip or a scene overview?)
The wedding had commenced. The piano played and the choir harmonized and the bride walked down the aisle. A priest stood at the front, beginning his speech. Vows of love and loyalty were passed and a drop of blood was shared between the two. They were pronounced husband and wife and kissed one another before the gods. Lucian ended the kiss as quickly as it had started, not wanting to cause any discomfort to his bride. Cheers erupted and the party was taken to the reception.
A table at the front of the dining hall had been reserved for the bride and groom. The royal family had a table just to the side and the rest of the courtiers took to the tables scattered throughout. Food was passed and wine was drunk. The music played and men and women alike danced. Lucian remained in his seat, still sipping on his first glass of wine, watching. He had a hand palming his sword. He was cautious, wary. It would be bad luck to kill a man but he would should it be necessary.
